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Slushflows: science and planning considerations for an expanding hazard

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Abstract

Slushflows are natural hazards that pose considerable danger to communities across the globe. These events are characterized by the rapid mass movement of water-inundated snow downslope, and they cause economic damage as well as fatalities in many different climates and regions. As the global climate changes and human populations and industries potentially expand to higher latitudes, it will be important to fully understand the slushflow hazard since an anticipated increase in the frequency of rain-on-snow events and an earlier spring thaw would likely increase the probability of slushflows. This article: (1) summarizes the factors that favor the development of slushflows; (2) discusses the hazard management implications of slushflows; (3) examines the policies employed to prevent and mitigate slushflow damage; and (4) sets out the need for modifications in hazard management systems. Conclusions drawn hope to address future research needs in an effort to create policies that better suit the needs of at-risk communities.

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Author notes

  1. Grace Relf

    Present address: School for International and Public Affairs and the Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA

    Grace Relf

  2. Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA

    James M. Kendra

  3. Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security Policy Research, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA

    Robert M. Schwartz

  4. Department of Geography, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA

    Daniel J. Leathers & Delphis F. Levia

  5. Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA

    Delphis F. Levia

Authors
  1. Grace Relf
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  2. James M. Kendra
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  3. Robert M. Schwartz
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  4. Daniel J. Leathers
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  5. Delphis F. Levia
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Correspondence to Delphis F. Levia.

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Relf, G., Kendra, J.M., Schwartz, R.M. et al. Slushflows: science and planning considerations for an expanding hazard. Nat Hazards 78, 333–354 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-015-1716-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-015-1716-8

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